Uniform Constellation Modulation for Flexible Power Split

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems using non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) face challenges in efficiently managing power splits between transmission layers, leading to increased complexity and power consumption in de-mappers due to the use of non-uniform symbol constellations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a uniform constellation-based modulation order split transmission system, where a combined symbol constellation is down-selected from a larger uniform constellation, allowing for additional power split options without increasing de-mapper complexity, by using a fixed-bit width de-mapper and pre-determined symbol locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-uniform symbol constellations are used to provide additional power split options, then transmission flexibility is improved, but de-mapper complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoidde-mapper complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of symbol constellation from non-uniform to uniform, allowing the system to maintain multiple power split options through parameter adjustments rather than structural changes. This enables transmission flexibility while keeping the de-mapper structure simple and fixed, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-uniform symbol constellations are used to support multiple power ratios, then power split options are increased, but power consumption in de-mappers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower split optionsVSAvoidde-mapper power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables multiple power split options by changing parameters of the uniform constellation (such as power allocation coefficients) rather than changing the constellation structure itself. This allows the de-mapper to handle different power ratios using the same hardware structure, reducing power consumption while maintaining versatility in power split options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-uniform symbol constellations are used for modulation order split transmissions, then transmission adaptability is improved, but chip area of de-mapper increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission adaptabilityVSAvoidchip area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves transmission adaptability by using parameter changes in a uniform constellation framework rather than requiring multiple different constellation structures. This allows a single fixed-size de-mapper chip to support multiple transmission scenarios, preventing chip area increase while maintaining high transmission adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3456019B1Modulation order split transmissions using a uniform constellation
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3456019B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3456019B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A
  • EP3456019B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~3C

AI summary

A combined symbol constellation may be selected from a uniform symbol constellation that is supported by a de-mapper to provide additional power split options while reducing modifications to the de-mapper. In some examples, a signal may be constructed according to a combined symbol constellation selected from a larger uniform symbol constellation based on a desired power-ratio. The signal may include a base-layer, used to communicate a first set of data, and an enhancement-layer, used to communicate a second set of data, in accordance with the selected combined symbol constellation. The signal may be received and de-mapped according to the combined symbol constellation at a de-mapper that supports a uniform symbol constellation that is larger than the combined symbol constellation.